Jackie07
08-25-2009, 03:58 PM
Overcoming Fear of Recurrence
Although it may never go away, fear of recurrence should diminish over time, especially if you have had a positive experience as a survivor and are a healthy, active person. Here are a few strategies to cope with the uncertainty that cancer may return.
› Know the triggers. Managing fear is essential when external stimuli, known as triggers, feed anxiety. Learn to identify what causes you anxiety, whether it is news that a friend has had a recurrence or an unexplained ache or pain that makes you question whether the cancer has returned.
› Talk to others. Sometimes just knowing your anxiety is normal will help. Talk to your doctor, a friend, or a support group about your fears, and ask what has helped others.
› Keep healthy. Exercise and a good diet will not only make you feel better physically, but can also give you the knowledge that you are doing what you can to make your body healthy. Exercise can also boost your mood and lower anxiety.
› Ask for help. While it is normal to worry about recurrence, if it is overtaking your life, you may need to talk to a professional. A counselor can help you sort out your feelings and prescribe medication, if needed.
For more strategies on coping with the uncertainty of recurrence, read CURE's Fear of Recurrence (http://t.lt01.net/m/faeGdEbQkDA5XFOeXlpvtNzdESgncxBTIinAWQTKcapHzCe_JQ ).
Although it may never go away, fear of recurrence should diminish over time, especially if you have had a positive experience as a survivor and are a healthy, active person. Here are a few strategies to cope with the uncertainty that cancer may return.
› Know the triggers. Managing fear is essential when external stimuli, known as triggers, feed anxiety. Learn to identify what causes you anxiety, whether it is news that a friend has had a recurrence or an unexplained ache or pain that makes you question whether the cancer has returned.
› Talk to others. Sometimes just knowing your anxiety is normal will help. Talk to your doctor, a friend, or a support group about your fears, and ask what has helped others.
› Keep healthy. Exercise and a good diet will not only make you feel better physically, but can also give you the knowledge that you are doing what you can to make your body healthy. Exercise can also boost your mood and lower anxiety.
› Ask for help. While it is normal to worry about recurrence, if it is overtaking your life, you may need to talk to a professional. A counselor can help you sort out your feelings and prescribe medication, if needed.
For more strategies on coping with the uncertainty of recurrence, read CURE's Fear of Recurrence (http://t.lt01.net/m/faeGdEbQkDA5XFOeXlpvtNzdESgncxBTIinAWQTKcapHzCe_JQ ).